Authorities accused U.S. Border Patrol agent Eduardo Prat of allegedly assaulting a handcuffed detainee and later tampering with evidence to interfere with the investigation.
According to records, on May 22, 2023, Prat, 40, allegedly strangled the victim while performing his official duties as a Border Patrol agent in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.
The victim was handcuffed at the time of the incident. Between May 22 and June 12, 2023, Prat allegedly covered up a body camera, recorded the assault, and tampered with the evidence.
Prat is charged in federal court with deprivation of rights under color of law and destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in a federal investigation. The court has also placed him under conditions of release pending trial, which officials have yet to schedule.
If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison announced on March 27.